District calling Bulldogs

October 4, 2013

The "second season" starts now for the undefeated Ida Baker Bulldogs (5-0), who head east tonight for their first District 6A-12 game of the season at Lehigh (0-5).

A projected win over the Lightning would give the Bulldogs a 6-0 start for the second time in the school's short history. They started the 2009 season 6-0 and went on to finish 8-3.

"At the midway point we are where we want to be," said Bulldogs coach Brian Conn. "We start a new season now and carry it through. It won't mean much unless we win the district championship."

Article Photos

MICHAEL PISTELLAMariner senior Malcolm Ferdinand (10) picks up more yardage after catching a screen pass in the Tritons game against Island Coast last Friday. The Tritons (0-5) host Dunbar tonight. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

MICHAEL PISTELLAIsland Coast defenders gang up on Mariner QB Jacob Ward for a sack last Friday night. Dunbar visits Tony McKenna Field tonight when the Tritons (0-5) will try to earn their first win of the season. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

MICHAEL PISTELLAIsland Coast junior Zelan Lambert breaks into the open field on a touchdown run in the Gators’ 61-6 rout of Mariner last Friday night. The Gators (3-1) host Cape High (4-1) tonight with the top spot in the District 5A-14 standings on the line. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

MICHAEL PISTELLAIsland Coast junior Quinn Bourque looks downfield for a receiver during the Gators’ win over Mariner last Friday night. More photos are available online at: cu.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com.

The Bulldogs started the season with high expectations and, so far, are living up to those expectations if not exceeding them.

"We've had some good moments and some bad moments, but I am proud of both the offense and defense," said Conn. "I'm a little surprised by the numbers we have put up offensively. That comes from the players executing the game plan."

The Bulldogs are averaging 40 points per game. That lofty total got a boost from last week's 60-point outburst against Estero. Not counting the Estero game, the Bulldogs have scored no fewer than 26 points (at Key West) and a previous high of 49 points against Cape Coral.

Quarterback Sage Attwood is a triple threat with his arm, his legs and the talent around him. Johnny Garrow ran for four touchdowns last week and Roy Denson scored twice, one coming on a long punt return. Alex Febles and Geordan Hoagland have been big contributors at putting points on the board as well.

Achieving a 6-0 record for the second time speaks volumes about the program Conn has built.

"It's a sign that we are moving in the right direction the last few years after some struggles," said Conn. "Each year it's a different team and we always set high goals."

The top spot in the District 5A-14 standings is at stake in the Cape-Island Coast contest, with both teams 2-0 in the seven-team district.

The Seahawks are looking to get their offensive mojo back after struggling to come from behind to clip North Fort Myers 7-5 last week. The Gators, on the other hand, rang up 61 points in a rout of Mariner last Friday.

Quinn Bourque had a big game, scoring four touchdowns, and Trey Boyd ran for three TDs for the Gators.

Dunbar is looking to stay in contention in District 5A-14 by burying the Tritons deeper in the cellar.

The Red Knights are hanging around the middle of the 5A-14 standings and looking to keep pace with Dunbar while the Panthers are in desperate need of a positive season turnaround.